Cypress TX Homes

Save Water and Money with Xeriscaping

writer — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:52:08 +0000

Creating and maintaining yards and gardens can be expensive and time consuming under the best conditions. Here in Texas, the drought has made those conditions about as far from ideal as Corpus Christi is from Anchorage Alaska. Water is becoming more expensive and water restrictions have led to the death of many lawns and gardens. Replacing the grass and plants is going to cost money. And with the National Weather Service predicting drought conditions for Texas to persist or intensify over the coming months, it can seem that having more than dirt for a yard is a futile dream.

But it does not have to be. In this post, we will introduce you to the practice of xeriscaping and explain why it is both a Texas-friendly and wallet-friendly strategy for creating and maintaining your lawn and garden. In subsequent posts, we’ll talk about specific topics relevant to Texas homeowners.

According to The Texas A&M University’s Texas Agricultural Extension Service, up to 60 percent of an urban household’s summer water consumption is used for watering lawns and gardens. In short, xeriscaping combines seven long-standing water-saving best practices into one plan. Those best practices are:

Planning and design
Soil analysis and preparation
Practical turf areas
Appropriate plant selection
Efficient irrigation
Use of mulches
Appropriate maintenance

For now, let’s take a brief high-level look at those principles. We’ll dig deeper and apply them to Texas lawns and gardens in future posts.

Planning and Design. The goal of this is not to pick specific plants but rather to define the types of things you want where. How will you use any given space? For example, do you want shrubs or bushes under the windows? Will you have a dog run? Do you want a spot for chairs for gathering around some type of garden centerpiece?

Soil Analysis and Preparation. You need to have a soil analysis performed to know what your plant options are. For some smaller areas, such as shrub and flower beds, you may be able to improve the soil with organic matter. Generally speaking, this is a less is more issue: the less you “improve” the soil the easier it will be to use xeriscaping-friendly plants.

Practical Turf Area. Practical turf areas are no larger than they need to be and allow for efficient watering. Odd shapes or long, narrow stretches of turf tend to be wasteful because watering is not limited to the grass but to the surrounding area.

Appropriate Plant Selection. This is perhaps the most well-known aspect of xeriscaping. In short, the ideal xeriscaping plants are those would thrive without human intervention. And that does not mean they have to be cacti. Texas has is fortunate to have an abundance of plants that do well naturally.

Efficient Irrigation. You give the plants—and only the plants—the exact amount of water they need. No wasting a drop.

Use of Mulches. Mulch reduces evaporation and reduces weeds—which means more water goes to your plants. Mulch also prevents soil compaction and regulates soil temperature, both of which keep your plants healthy.

Appropriate Maintenance. Just like a car, by knowing what needs to be done and how often and then doing those things will keep your yard in great condition.

Xeriscaping also makes financial sense. Not only can it reduce water consumption by as much as 75 percent, the EPA has found it can increase a property’s value by 7-14 percent.

With Texas’ demand for water increasing and drought conditions continuing, xeriscaping is a responsible and financially rewarding approach to creating and maintaining outdoor spaces.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Cypress Assistance Ministries – Our Cypress Non-Profit for the Month of May

writer — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:00:09 +0000

Each month on Cypress Homes TX, we want to bring attention to one of our area non-profits. This month we’ve chosen to highlight Cypress Assistance Ministries. We were honored to talk with Assistant Director, Kelly Thomas.

Kelly, could you please give me a bit of background about Cypress Assistance Ministries?

CAM focuses its efforts on helping families in financial and/or emotional crisis become self-sufficient by offering a variety of life-enhancing services including the CAM Food Pantry, financial assistance, Operation Jobs, GED/ESL classes and Angels’ Attic Resale Shop. We interview families in need to determine specific areas of need. Utility and rent assistance, groceries, school supplies, clothing, furniture and Christmas gifts are a few examples of the help that we provide. Donations from area churches, civic organizations, corporations and individuals, as well as proceeds from Angels’ Attic fund this ministry work.

What are the requirements to volunteer?

Over 250 volunteers help with our mission each week. CAM is a rewarding and fun volunteer experience and there is something for everyone here. Opportunities include clerical work, sorting food in the pantry, processing donations from the community and more. We ask that you be 16 years or older, enjoy performing a variety of tasks and do it with a smile! Most jobs include some physical activity.

Other than volunteering, how else can Cypress residents help?

We appreciate the support of Cypress residents! Monetary donations are always welcome and can be given online at www.cypressassistance.org. We especially need your household donations, clothing, toys, books, furniture, home décor, etc.　 Items may be dropped off at 11202 Huffmeister (behind Hartz Chicken). Tax receipts are available. Supporting our award-winning resale shop, Angels Attic, is another great way to help CAM families.

Thank you so much to Kelly for taking time to share information with us about Cypress Assistance Ministries. If you’d like to learn more about Cypress Assistance Ministries, please call Kelly at 281-955-7684 or visit their website www.cypressassistance.org. If you know of a non-profit in Cypress, TX that you would like to see highlighted, please send us the info through our contact page.

Save Money by Maintaining Your Home’s Septic System

writer — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:48:32 +0000

In the previous post we provided you with some general tips for keeping your drains clear and avoiding back-ups. All of those tips are suitable to homes with septic systems. However, with repairs to septic systems costing up to $5,000, septic systems maintenance warrants extra consideration.

Why Septic Systems Fail

Septic systems can fail for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that too much water enters the system. Another is because they do not receive regular inspections which leads to costly repairs that could have been prevented. Disposing of things ill-suited for the septic system—such as some solid wastes and chemicals—also leads to expensive repairs.

So how can you prevent needing costly repairs?

Minimize Your Waste Water

Putting more water into the system than it can handle can cause the sewage to flow back up through the pipes and into your sinks, tubs and toilets. In the case of the toilet, it may have backed up to the point where flushing the toilet causes a nasty overflow.

Excessive water can come from simple usage. Showers, washing clothes and running the dishwasher all add up and the more of each you do, the more the system has to work. It can be easy to overload it.

Do the following to minimize your waste water:

Minimize usage by installing high-efficiency showerheads and adding aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Replace old washing machines, dishwashers and even toilets with more efficient models.
Only use washers and dishwashers when they are full.
Make certain that all plumbing is leak-free.

Also, drain cooled hot tubs and swimming pools onto a place in the yard that is far away from the septic tank’s drain field. Avoid having rainwater runoff from your roof flow into the drain field, too. Excessive water in the drain field can slow or stop the treatment process and cause backups.

Keep Solids and Harsh Chemicals Out of It

Solids can lead to an accumulation of sludge and debris which increases the workload for your pump. Garbage disposals may seem like they are turning your scraps into mush, but most of what goes in has to be pumped out of the tank.

Also, do not flush solid items down the toilet. Commonly flushed items include:

dental floss
feminine hygiene products
cotton swabs
cat litter
coffee grounds
paper towels
condoms
cigarette butts

And keep these common liquids / chemicals out:

household cleaning chemicals (read and follow the warning labels)
gasoline
oil
anti-freeze
pesticides
paint
etc.

Have Regular Professional Inspections—and Follow Directions

Septic systems should be inspected by a professional inspector every 3-5 years. He will tell you what you should do, if anything, to prevent a failure. Additionally, he will tell you how often you should have your particular system pumped.

Follow his advice and these tips. Yes, preventative maintenance will cost money. However, you should think of it as insurance against a potentially multiple thousand dollar repair bill—and those nasty, unsanitary and messy backups.

Need help with your septic system? You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

How to Avoid Clogged Pipes

writer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:16:57 +0000

If you have ever had to call a plumber because of a clogged drain, you are likely familiar with the hassle, frustration, and expenses that come with it. First you have to deal with the frustration of the mess sitting in the sink or the toilet overflowing. Then you have to deal with the hassle of cleaning, not being able to use the sink or toilet and then making arrangements for a plumber to come out. And that ends with you paying anywhere from $50 – $200 or more, depending on how bad the issue is.

While sometimes things just happen, such as the child who tries flushing too much toilet paper, many clogs can be prevented. Here are some strategies to make sure that everything that is supposed to goes down the drain does—and that your money is not among them.

Follow an Enzymatic Cleaner Schedule for All of Your Drains

All of that gunk in your drains and pipes may be icky to you, but certain bacteria live to eat the stuff. They are safe for all drain systems (including toilets), non-toxic, eco-friendly, and carry none of the risks associated with using chemical drain cleaners.

In short, your drains make the perfect home for a colony of bacteria—and about the only thing you need to do is put them there and periodically replenish the population. Of course, this is preventative maintenance. They take time to work so if your drain is already backed up then you will need to use something else.

Not all enzymatic cleaners are created equal, so do a search to find the best enzymatic cleaners available in your area or order them online.

Never Pour Grease or Oil Down Your Drain

If you are going to pour grease down the drain then sooner or later, you will have a clogged drain. That grease may seem like liquid or hot water may make it seem like it is going through the pipes, but grease cools and solidifies long before it can escape your home’s plumbing.

Instead, pour the grease into a heat-resistant and sealable container (such as an empty pasta sauce jar) and keep it near the sink. Also, wipe out greasy pots and pans with a paper towel to remove excessive grease.

Avoid Putting Solid Foods Down the Drain—and be Careful with a Garbage Disposal

Wipe solid food from dishes into the trash or compost cans. Use fine mesh baskets to catch any food that remains on the dishes when you wash them.

Generally speaking, using a garbage disposal is fine. However, avoid putting greasy foods into it for the reasons noted above. Non-greasy foods are fine.

Also, turn on the water then the garbage disposal to improve results. And remember to regularly clean your garbage disposal’s trap.

For Shower and Tubs

In addition to using an enzymatic cleaner, regularly remove the drain plug and remove the hair that gets caught on the crossbars.

While drains can be accidentally clogged sometimes, following these tips will help keep your pipes clear and prevent your money from going down the drain instead.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

The Worst Home Improvement Projects for Home Sellers

writer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:35:37 +0000

If you are considering taking on a pricey home improvement project in order to add resale value to your home, put the hammer down. Historically, expensive home improvement projects recover only 40-60 percent of their costs upon selling your home. Year after year, the expensive projects listed below are consistently regarded as being among the worst home improvement values for home sellers.

Home Office Addition
Sunroom Addition
Master Suite Addition
Bathroom Addition
Garage Addition
Swimming Pool
Backup Power Generator

You may have noticed that five of the seven items on the list end with the word “addition”. “Remodel” could also be substituted for “addition” in most cases. A good rule of thumb is that if your idea for a home improvement project involves knocking down walls to make space, it is going to be expensive and is unlikely to pay for itself. The rule applies even if you are merging two rooms into one larger one.

Many of these “addition” projects do not recover their costs simply because they cost more to add then had they been included in the original build. In that regard, you are already starting at a loss of thousands of dollars. It is the primary reason these items consistently make the list of worst home improvement projects.

Swimming pools are often perceived by buyers as being a maintenance headache, safety risk, and taking up valuable yard space. Generators appeal to only a very small home-buying niche. While some buyers may like the idea of having one, it is not something they would invest in and so has little value to them.

The value of other projects is also vulnerable to how important the final product is to the buyer. Sometimes, a buyer will be turned off by what you thought was a very appealing renovation. A good example is the garage that is converted into an extra room. There may be ample parking in the street or in your driveway, but some buyers will not consider a house without a garage. Nicely landscaped gardens may look great, but a buyer may see either a hassle or the unattractive expense to maintain them.

Another consideration is the impact of not making the renovation. If your home lacks a common feature that buyers expect, the value of the renovation may be that it increases your ability to sell your home.

When it comes to renovating your home, the greatest return on investment is the pleasure it brings you. But if your only motivation is to try to make more money when you sell, put the hammer down. There are better ways to spend your money.

If you decide to go ahead with your renovation, you can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Save Money on Home Services with Deal-Maker Sites

writer — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:59:24 +0000

Do you want to save money on common household expenses such as carpet cleaning, pool cleaning, repair services, and landscaping services? Is there a job around that house that you have been meaning to hire someone to do but cannot seem to fit it into your budget? Are you someone who hates spending money unless you know you are getting a good deal?

When it comes to the many things that we need or want to do for our homes, money is often a big factor in getting them done. But with the combination of deal-making sites, email and social media, saving money is becoming easier than ever. The companies behind these sites make deals with other companies to allow you buy sharply discounted services.

If you are wondering if there is a “catch”, there is—but the catch is hardly a deterrent, as evidenced by the millions of people who use these services daily. There are three “catches”:

You may have to decide quickly if you want the deal or not. Deals are offered for a very limited time. Some are offered for a few days while others are “daily deals”. Daily deals will be gone by the end of the day—so if you do not see the deal until later in the day, you may have only hours or even minutes to buy it.
You are pre-paying for goods/services rendered. If you think of it as buying a deeply discounted gift card, you will have a good understanding of how these services work. For example, you pay $75 for $250 worth of tree services (which was an actual offer). It is like buying a $250 gift card for only $75. And then there is the third catch.
Your purchased deals expire—but then they are still worth the amount you paid. In the tree services example above, if you purchase the deal then you have to use it by 10/5/2012. If you do, your voucher will be worth $250. If you redeem it after Oct. 5^ththen it will be worth $75. Of course, if you never redeem the voucher then you have wasted money.

How to get the most of out of these services.

Sign-up for two or more deal-maker services. (I have provided three popular companies below). Two to three gives you a steady stream of deals without becoming overwhelming. Of course, if you are a deal-junkie then sign-up for as many as you can.
Pay attention to the emails they send. When you sign-up, you provide an email address. The companies will email you deals on a daily basis. Usually, it takes only a few moments to scan these deals to see if any appeal to you. If you see one you want, you can usually buy it with just one click (if they have your payment information on file).
Deal smartly with your smartphone. Many companies have an app that allows you to browse and buy deals easily from your phone. When you find yourself with a few idle minutes (such as while waiting in line at the bank or store), you can be productive and snag a sweet deal.

Another perk is that you can get deals on more than just products and services for your home. Restaurants and local attractions are also featured daily.

Following are links to three popular deal-maker sites.

Groupon (groupon.com)

Google Offers (google.com/offers)

Living Social (livingsocial.com)

Do you need to find a local service provider? If so, you can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Homebuyers Should Budget for Property Tax Increases

writer — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:19:35 +0000

Homebuyers face a dizzying number of factors they must consider when purchasing a home. In the midst of all of the right-now things that must be weighed and evaluated, one down-the-road item can be easily overlooked: future property taxes. Many homeowners have learned too late that you must consider potential property tax increases in your current purchasing decision. Failing to do so can have painful consequences. On the mild side is having to adjust your lifestyle to be able to pay your taxes. The severe side includes having to sell your home—or having it seized.

While a detailed discussion of property taxesis beyond the scope of this article, there a few things you need to be aware of as a homebuyer in Texas.

What can happen if you fail to pay your property taxes?

Consequences of failing to pay your taxes can include:

Penalties and interest charges can be imposed. Interest is charged at 1 percent per month and, if the taxing units hire attorneys to collect, you can be charged up to an additional 15 percent to cover their costs.
You can be sued and the court costs will be added to your bill.
Each taxing unit holds a lien on taxable property. What does that mean? It means that, regardless of who owns the house—even if you sell it—the courts are able to foreclose on the home and take it.
Because of the implications of the tax lien, if you owe taxes you may have difficulty selling your home even if you can no longer afford it.

Who can tax your property?

Property may be taxed by local “taxing units”. These units may include:

the county
the city
the school district
special districts (such as hospitals or colleges)

Understanding who can tax your property goes a long way to understanding why and how your property taxes may increase. If the home you are buying is not currently part of a community college’s taxing district and that changes, you will likely see an increase in your property taxes. If your community is growing, you may pay more school taxes or city taxes may increase to meet demands.

Taxes are based on the current value of the “property”, including the home and land.

Current is the part that can trip homebuyers. If you buy a house based on the current value and you have not allowed room in your budget to account for the home increasing in value, then you may find that the home you bought has become more than you can now afford.

Plan according to trends.

The big property tax double-whammy is owning a home that sharply increases in value in a community that experiences sharp increases in property taxes. In matter of a few years, you could see your taxes more than double and possibly add several thousand dollars to your bill—and that’s on a modestly priced home.

Small suburban towns are susceptible to this as they attract those who work in the nearby big city but prefer life away from it. When a small town is very attractive, property values increase and, because the town is attractive, it experiences rapid growth. With rapid growth comes the need for the local “taxing units” to increase revenue to provide services.

A good real estate agent should know their market well enough to be able answer some basic questions or at least direct you to resources where you can find the answers. You may also be able to find the information on city and county websites.

Unexpected increases in property taxes have ruined the dream of home-ownership for many. By including room for increased property taxes in your budget, you can help ensure that your dream home does not become a financial nightmare.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Why Home Owners Need Home Inspections

writer — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:10:19 +0000

Any worthwhile guide to buying a home will tell you to make sure you have a professional home inspector perform a thorough inspection before you buy a house. But if that’s the only time you think you should use a home inspector, you are doing yourself a disservice. Home inspectors offer great value to home owners, too—whether you are selling your home or not.

The logic of having your home routinely inspected is similar to the logic of having a doctor routinely inspect your body: each increases the odds of finding problems before they become too big. Each provides you with peace of mind. Each can save you money in the long run. And if you are selling your home, there are additional benefits:

You establish credibility with buyers.

Imagine you are a home buyer. You find this house that seems perfect—it’s in a great neighborhood, the neighbors are friendly, the home looks great, meets your needs and wants and is just the right price. You think you’ve found your dream home.

Then you have it inspected and find evidence of rot and mold. It’s not properly insulated and the wiring is not up to code. To top it off, the foundation has problematic cracks. The owner never mentioned any of these problems. Why not? Didn’t they have it inspected before they listed it and, if not, why not? Were they aware of them and hoping you would not notice—or at least not notice all of them? Did things happen—like flooding—and they did not mention it?

It can make the buyer wary and reluctant to purchase. The question, “are there other problems I missed?” can loom in their minds and make them decide your home is not worth the risk.

Trust is a good thing in the seller-buyer relationship. Yes, some buyers will avoid homes with problems, but if your home has problems, you may be able to sell it faster by listing it at a fair price, disclosing the work that needs to be done (or having it done) because you will attract the *right* buyers.

You avoid surprises.

Many sellers are also buyers. Often, they base the purchase of their new home, in part, on what they expect to sell their current home for. Problems with your current home can cause you to have to reduce your asking price which, in turn, can affect your ability to purchase your next home.

If you are waiting to buy your new home until you sell your current one, then you also want to be able to do it quickly. Surprises can mean delays.

You can set a realistic and fair price.

This ties in with both credibility and avoiding surprises. Flaws in your home will affect the selling price. Knowing them helps you set a realistic and fair price. With a realistic price, you can better plan based on that price. And, all else being equal, a fair price will help you sell your home faster than one that buyers perceive as unfair.

A good rule of thumb for how often you should have your home inspected is every 3-5 years and before you list it. If your home is older, has a cellar or crawl spaces and/or is subjected to extreme weather, more frequent inspections may be warranted.

A home inspection is an expense but it is also an investment. The dividends are peace of mind, fewer major repairs that could have been prevented, and a better selling and buying experience.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Prepare Your Pool for Summer Fun

writer — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:30:58 +0000

After the recent rains and cool temperatures, swimming may be the last thing on your mind. But it is mid-March and as anyone who has spent a few years in Texas can tell you, it is going to get hot fast. Now is the time to make sure your swimming pool is ready for summer.

Following is a basic guide to preparing your pool for summer fun.

1. Remove the pool cover and clean it.

If you have a solid pool cover then it should have come with a cover pump for removing excess water from the top of it. For both solid and mesh covers, remove leaves and debris and lay it out to dry. (Be careful when drying a solid cover on grass since leaving it on the grass for too long can damage the lawn, especially on a hot day.) Store it according to your manufacturer’s instructions, ideally indoors and away from rodents.

2. Inspect the entire pool’s surface for damage.

Look for leaks, tears in the vinyl liner, damaged tiles or cracks. There is no sense in adding water if you will have to drain the pool to repair it.

3. Add water until the level reaches halfway up the skimmer opening.
4. Turn on the pump.

Prime the pump then turn it on. Closely monitor the pressure gauge and be ready to immediately turn off the pump if the pressure starts rising well above normal. If you are not getting pressure, check pipes for leaks, re-prime and try again.

5. Ensure that your skimmer and filter are working correctly.

If you did not clean your filter at the end of last season, do it now while the pump is running.

6. Perform a safety and equipment inspection.

Over the next few days, check for leaks or damage. Carefully monitor the water level Check all electrical connections to ensure they are in proper working order and in good repair. Remove any tripping hazard. Make certain that all entry points to the pool area—such as gates or doors—are secure and working properly. Be sure that rescue equipment—life preservers, catch poles, etc.—are in good condition and in place to be ready for an emergency. Also, be sure a first-aid kit is easily accessible in case of falls, cuts or other non-drowning emergencies that can happen near your pool.

7. Clean the pool.

Skim, vacuum then brush the pool.

8. Run the pump for five (5) hours then test the water.

After thoroughly cleaning the pool, run the pump for at least five (5) hours. Then, test the water’s chemistry using a quality pool water testing kit. (Many pool supply/cleaning businesses will allow you to bring them a water sample for testing.)

9. Add chemicals to balance the water’s chemistry.

Carefully read and follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions for adding chemicals to your pool. Because of the potential hazards of working with and storing chemicals, many people opt to have this step performed by professionals.

You can save a bit of money by doing some or all of the maintenance yourself. But if you either want some help or prefer that a professional handle every aspect of your pool’s care, there are companies eager to help.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Clean Gutters to Prevent Costly Damage

writer — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:22:50 +0000

With the endless list of chores homeowners face, those of the “out of sight, out of mind” variety are easy to keep putting off. But while organizing that mess of a closet can be put off for months or years without serious consequences, neglecting some chores can prove very costly. Cleaning the gutters is one such chore. Fortunately, a small investment of time and money now can save you a lot of both later.

Rain gutters are like shield-bearers for you homes foundation, basement and some other aesthetic factors. They keep excessive water from attacking it by routing the water away from it. Since their job is to defend against water, they need you to fend off the debris that is also attacking them. By keeping them clean and enabling them to do their job, they help prevent problems such as:

damaged foundations
rotted wood
mosquito, termite and roach infestations
growth of mold
damaged landscapes

Of all of those potential problems, preventing damage to your home’s foundation can be the most expensive and troublesome. Water can damage your foundation in two main ways. First erosion can simply wash out the dirt the supports the foundation. With enough erosion, the foundation can shift. The shift in the foundation itself may not be noticeable but it put it put increasing stress on the structure of the house and can cause cracks.

The second main way is that excessive water can cause damage is by oversaturating the soil. When this happens, the ground may no longer be able to support the weight. As with erosion, the foundation is likely to shift down toward more solid ground.

Cleaning gutters can be a time-consuming seasonal headache. If you have a lot of trees that drop leaves onto your roof then it can require even more frequent cleanings. Further deterring people from tackling the chore is that it almost always requires either climbing a ladder that must be frequently moved in order to reach access all of the gutters or instead trying to work from on top of the roof. Either way, it is laborious task that puts the cleaner at risk of falling and being injured.

With all of those downsides, it is not surprising that companies have created ways to make the chore easier. Perhaps the most popular solution is installing gutter guards. While gutter guards come in a wide range of styles and colors, they all perform the same basic function: keep everything but water from getting into your gutters.

You can either pay a company to install gutter guards or you can do it yourself. If you are comfortable with working on a ladder and are willing to dedicate a short afternoon to the job then the do-it-yourself option may be right for you. Installation is usually a simple matter of snapping the strips of guard into your gutters. The most demanding part of the job is having to necessity to frequently move the ladder and thus repeatedly climb up and down it. Still, with prices as low as about 50 cents per foot of cover, it can be worth the effort.

Poorly maintained gutters can cause costly damage to your home. Additionally, some prospective buyers may see a damaged foundation as a deal-breaker. While keeping your gutters clean can be a tedious chore, gutter guards can be an inexpensive way to make it simpler.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.